Types of Safety and Security Glass

Even if you’re familiar with safety and security glass, you might not realize there are different types available. Safety glass is designed to be tougher than average glass panels, so it’s harder to break. When safety glass shatters, it breaks into smaller pieces that are less likely to inflict injury.

If you’re considering safety or security glass in your building, you’ll get the best results by choosing the right type for your needs.

Different types of safety and security glass

There are many different uses for safety and security glass. Here’s an overview of which types might be right for any given application:

• Architectural tempered glass: You might see this type of glass referred to as tempered, architectural tempered or toughened glass. Tempered glass is put through a rapid heating and cooling process, which makes it four to five times stronger than regular or annealed glass. It also changes the glass’s internal structure. When it breaks, it shatters into small, harmless pieces rather than large, jagged shards. This makes it suitable for a number of projects, including staircases, displays, windows and more.
• Security screen glass: Security screen glass is created to resist breakage. It’s a smart choice for storefront There are several layers of annealed glass and high grade polyacrylic. Not only is it stronger than regular glass, but if the glass shatters, the security screen will still make it difficult for thieves to pass through. It can resist breakage from tools like hammers, crowbars, bats and more for up to two minutes. Since most thieves work quickly to avoid detection, every second counts. Finally, it’s thin, lightweight, resists scratching and is easy to clean.
• Armored security glass: Armored security glass looks a lot like regular glass, but it’s designed to resist sustained attacks. This type of security glass uses a polycomposite glass laminate that can provide anywhere from five to 30 minutes of protection. It’s typically used in high-security areas, like prisons, courthouses, government offices and police offices.
• Bullet-resistant security glass: Bullet-resistant glass (also known as bulletproof glass) is created to resist high-velocity projectiles of any type. It’s another polycomposite glass laminate, but it’s even tougher than armored security glass. It can withstand up to 60 minutes of sustained attack from hand weapons, yet it looks like normal glass. If the glass breaks, the polycomposite spall panel will keep the glass from flying apart.
• Cyclone glass: Finally, cyclone glass is designed to expand and contract up to five times its normal size. This makes it suitable for protecting homes and storefronts from flying debris during major storms. The laminate panels keep the glass in place, even if it breaks.

These different types of safety and security glass can add extra protection and safety to your building. If you’re not sure which type is suitable for your needs or if you would like to get a quote, call Santa Fe Glass & Mirror. We provide residential and commercial glass solutions. Reach out today to get started.

Categorised in: Safety Glass

This post was written by Writer